Reply #9: I went downtown on an errand which took me right to Beacon Street

[Luftmensch067]

And when I was done, Park Street was on my way back to the T and the procession was rumored to be coming by any minute, so I took my place in the orderly group of people lining Park Street going up to the Statehouse. Up near the Statehouse itself, it was probably a little crazier and more crowded, but down where we were, it was very civilized and calm. Lots of people had tiny American flags and when I admired the ones my neighbors had, they said folks from Teddy's office had been by with a box full to hand out to people. They asked if they could pay for them, but of course the answer was no. It was exciting! The sky was so blue and the sun so bright that no one could see through the glare to make out what they were taking pictures of (which was mainly everyone else standing there, with their flags!) We were all full of anticipation and asking each other if anyone had heard anything about when they would arrive. First we saw several motorcycle cops zooming loudly by and then a Boston Police car. Then the first black car turned up the street and began to drive slowly by us.

I looked into one of the cars and it was full of kids. I looked right at the face of a tearstained, brokenhearted little girl and then, as the car passed us, she and all the other sad children looked right out the window at us, clapping and waving to them, and waved back and said "thank you" to us for being there. Right after that car, a big tour bus turned up the street, also full of kids and other family members, weeping and waving. It wasn't exciting or festive anymore. It was suddenly crystal clear in a visceral way it hadn't been before for me that this family had lost a beloved part of their lives. And I couldn't stop crying. I'm so glad I was there to be one of the people waving, and I'm so glad so many people are lining up at the Library tonight and leaving messages in all the condolence books and writing their memories and comforting wishes online. From what I saw, every one of them will be appreciated and every gesture of comfort will be needed.